Procrustes

PRONUNCIATION:

(pro-KRUS-teez)

MEANING:

noun: A person imposing conformity without concern for individuality.

ETYMOLOGY:

After Procrustes, a giant in Greek mythology, who stretched or cut his
victims to make them fit his bed. He was killed by Theseus. From Greek
Procroustes (stretcher). The word is more often used in its adjective
form procrustean. Earliest
documented use: 1581.

USAGE:

"But is not almost every man a Procrustes? We have not the power of
showing our cruelty exactly in the same method, but actuated by the
like spirit, we abridge of their liberty, and torment by scorn, all
who either fall short, or exceed the usual standard."
Sarah Scott; Millennium Hall; Broadview Press; 1995.